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Monday, April 23, 2007

April 23rd News and Notes/Weekend Wrap-Up

According to The Daily Progress, Virginia junior guard Sean Singletary is expected to enter the NBA Draft. A source said that Singletary is not going to hire an agent, though, leaving him the option of returning to the Cavaliers for his senior season. The source also stated that Singletary would only stay in the draft if he improves his stock at pre-draft camps and workouts. Singletary, who was named to the all-ACC first-team the past two seasons, is projected by most mock drafts as a second-round pick. He averaged 19.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this past season.

North Carolina freshman Brandan Wright has announced that he will enter the NBA Draft. However, he said that he is not going to hire an agent, leaving open the option of returning to the Tar Heels for his sophomore season. "I was definitely torn in my decision," he said. "There are so many positives and negatives in me entering the draft. But I feel like the positives outweigh the negatives." Coach Roy Williams does not think that he is planning on returning to school despite not hiring an agent. "I think the decision is 99.99 [percent] that this is what he's going to do," Williams said. "It's not that he's trying to get more research or anything like that." Wright had been back and forth regarding his decision over the past few weeks, but is projected to be drafted in the top five of most mock drafts. He averaged 14.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game this past season.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, Marquette sophomore guard Dominic James is expected to enter the NBA Draft. A source close to the situation said that James is going to meet with coach Tom Crean to finalize his decision in the upcoming week. The source also said that James is not going to hire an agent, leaving open the option of returning to the Golden Eagles for his junior season. He is only going to keep his name in the draft if he is going to be picked in the first-round, which is not likely. James averaged 14.9 points and 4.9 assists per game this past season.

Iowa freshman forward Tyler Smith has been granted his release from the university. He said that he wanted to transfer closer to his home in Pulaski, Tennessee, to be closer to his father, who suffers from lung cancer. Athletic director Gary Barta saw it coming. "I have had conversations with both Tyler and his father from the time we knew we would have a coaching change," said Barta. "Both expressed a sincere appreciation for Iowa, but also hinted toward a desire for Tyler to continue his career closer to home.” New coach Todd Lickliter supported the decision. “Tyler asked to be released, expressing his desire to be closer to his father,” Lickliter said. “We respect his decision to be near his family and will grant the release in order for Tyler to further his education closer to home.”

Smith was the team’s second-leading scorer last year, averaging 14.9 points per game, earning him third-team all-Big Ten honors. He told the Tennessean that he wants to play for Bruce Pearl and the Volunteers. "Tennessee is where I want to go. I've always liked Tennessee," Smith said. "They're the only school I'm looking at right now, and it's close to home. It makes the most sense for me and my dad. I hope it works out this time." He originally signed with the Volunteers out of high school, but went to prep school after Buzz Peterson was fired from Tennessee.

According to the Associated Press, Baylor junior guard Aaron Bruce has announced that he will enter the NBA Draft. However, he is not going to sign with an agent, leaving open the option of returning to the Bears. "I sat down with my parents and the coaching staff and we think this is the best move for me at the moment to see where I stand," Bruce said. "It's a good way for me to learn the process and to be ready for next year." Coach Scott Drew backed the decision. "Our staff fully supports Aaron in taking a step in pursuit of his dream to one day play in the NBA," he said. Bruce plans on returning to school unless he is a first-round pick, which is not likely. Bruce averaged 11.3 points and 3.4 assists per game this past season.According to The Clarion-Ledger, Mississippi State junior forward Charles Rhodes has announced that he will enter the NBA Draft. However, he is not going to sign with an agent, leaving open the option of returning to the Bulldogs. “Basically, it was a decision on my past season and a decision with my family and that was it,” Rhodes said. “Basically, right now all I’m focusing on is testing the waters right now. Testing the waters. Have fun with what I’m doing.” Coach Rick Stansbury supported the decision, saying “I have no problem with Charles testing the waters to see where he stands.” Rhodes averaged 13.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game this past season, and is not projected to be picked by most mock drafts.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Utah State junior guard Jaycee Carroll has announced that he will enter the NBA Draft. However, he is not expected to sign with an agent, leaving open the option of returning to the Aggies. "It has always been a dream of mine to play in the NBA and I owe it to myself and my family to do whatever I can to make that dream come true," Carroll said. "I think it is important for the development of my game to see how I compare against the best collegiate basketball players in the country." Coach Stew Morrill backed the decision, saying “Our coaching staff understands and supports Jaycee on his decision to explore the NBA. . . . Jaycee understands unless he is guaranteed to be a first-round pick that the wise decision would be to come back to school.” Carroll averaged 21.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game this past season, earning first-team all-WAC honors.According to Andy Katz of ESPN.com, Tennessee junior guard Chris Lofton is not expected to enter the NBA Draft. The NBA’s draft advisory committee evaluated Lofton and said that he would likely be a middle second-round pick. Therefore, coach Bruce Pearl does not anticipate Lofton declaring. "So, that's not where he's at and he's excited about coming back [to Tennessee]," Pearl said. "It's a good decision." With Lofton returning, the Volunteers are expected to be a preseason Top 10 team. He averaged 20.8 points per game last season.

According to the Stillwater NewsPress, Oklahoma State sophomore guard Terrel Harris was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of possession of false identification and obstructing an officer. "We're obviously disappointed," Cowboys coach Sean Sutton said in a statement. "We're looking into the matter and we'll address it." Harris averaged 10.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per game this past season.